10 Red and Pink Superfoods for Valentine’s Day

Doctor’s orders: Apples are rich in pectin, a fiber that lowers cholesterol and helps keep you feeling full. (Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day with these super healthy (and delicious!) red and pink foods (via The Huffington Post):

Apples. They really do help keep the doctor away. The pectin in apples provides 4 grams of filling and cholesterol-lowering fiber per serving.

Beets. Rich in vitamin C and folate, beets are also packed with antioxidants and fight inflammation.

Red berries. These low-calorie, fiber-rich foods are an excellent source of vitamin C, and may help protect memory. Try making dark chocolate covered strawberries for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat–the cocoa is full of antioxidants!

Cherries. The antioxidants in this sweet fruit are known to protect heart health and aid in post-workout muscle recovery. (For 7 reasons to eat more cherries, read our post here.)

Cranberries. Loaded with vitamin C, cranberries can help your body to fight off infections more quickly and effectively.

Grapefruit. The lycopene in grapefruit can help defend against certain types of cancers, its vitamin C is great in shielding against colds and flu, and its fiber can help lower cholesterol. Tip: This fruit can interact in harmful ways with certain medications, so if you are on prescription medications, be sure to check with your doc before enjoying.

Pomegranate seeds. These powerful little seeds are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and a tasty way to prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. Try snacking on them plain ,or mixing them into a wild rice or quinoa dish.

Red peppers. These brightly-hued veggies are rich in vitamin C and the carotenoids that fight against heart disease. To get the full benefit, enjoy with a little bit of fat, like olive oil or cheese. The fat helps your body to absorb more of their nutrients.